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• APRIL 2020

The Current

RIVER CROSSING

Hero Whisperer –

ParaSport Spokane lead inspires greatness

By Craig Howard Current Contributing Editor

Adaptive sports were not part of Josh Brewer’s life until he met a coach from Alaska undaunted by uphill battles.

A student at Bowdish Middle School in Spokane Valley at the time, Josh had been adopted by Matthew and Laura Brewer from his native Ethopia at 11. Just a year earlier, he narrowly survived an accident in his homeland that claimed half of his right arm and both legs.

Teresa Skinner knew that the term “triple amputee” should not define Brewer. He was undergoing physical therapy at Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane when she told him about wheelchair basketball.

Before long, Brewer was playing in Hoopfest.

With Skinner’s encouragement, Brewer soared. He took up wheelchair rugby and became so good he was selected to join the roster for Team USA in the 2016 Paralympics where the Americans earned the silver.

Later, he earned a scholarship from the University of Arizona to play wheelchair basketball.

For Skinner, the dynamic potential in Brewer and other athletes like him exists from the beginning. They just need to realize it.

“I want them to achieve what they never thought was possible,” she said.

These days, Skinner teaches life lessons from Spokane-Valley based ParaSport Spokane where she has served as executive director since founding the program in 2013. Prior to that, she built Team St. Luke’s into one of the most-respected adaptive sports clubs in the nation.

Over the years, she has coached hundreds of athletes, many of whom have attended Valley schools.

ParaSport/Team St. Luke’s alumni include seven Paralympians while Skinner has been an assistant coach for Team USA at Paralympic Games in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

Talk to Skinner about her success as a coach and trainer and she will

quickly defer the spotlight to athletes like Phillip Croft, a senior at Valley Christian School who recently earned a scholarship in wheelchair basketball and track and field at the University of Illinois. Skinner consistently points the role of sports as a springboard for success beyond the court, pool or track. Her athletes develop the drive and self-confidence to thrive in school, careers and beyond.

“We use sports as a catalyst for life,” she said.

Born in Pasadena, California but raised in Alaska, Skinner can relate to some of the uncertainties faced by those she coaches now.

“I was fearful trying new stuff as kid,” she said. “Like I was spooked about water.”

That changed with the support of a dad who believed she could scale her anxieties like hurdles on a straightaway. Her father helped

her develop traits like tenacity and determination that carried over into success at high school in Soldotna, Alaska where Skinner participated in track, swimming, cross country and volleyball.

“I loved the team aspect of sports, just the camaraderie,” Skinner said.

After high school, Skinner originally studied to be a veterinarian but switched schools and her field of study to occupational therapy. She would graduate with a degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1993.

Skinner came to Spokane in late 1994 as part of a traveling therapy assignment at a nursing home that was originally slated for 13 weeks.

She would spend seven months there, during which time she connected with representatives from St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute about the benefits of an adaptive sports program.

A 29-year-old resident of the nursing home where Skinner worked had been told he would spend the rest of his life as a quadriplegic. Skinner knew better. She took him to St. Luke’s

Photo by Craig Howard Teresa Skinner (left) is pictured with Phillip Croft, a senior at Valley Christian School and adaptive sports standout. Skinner founded ParaSport Spokane in 2013 after developing a thriving adaptive sports program at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute.

She has coached seven local athletes who have competed for Team USA in the Paralympics and also served as an assistant coach for the American squad at the Paralympic Games in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

“to see what was possible.”

“I didn’t want him to give up on himself,” she said.

Before long, something called “The Dukes of St. Luke’s” was born with Skinner’s patient being one of the first participants. The idea was not for the weak of heart – or body. Wheelchair rugby was played with modified wheelchairs and a volleyball and the Dukes quickly became a squad that was among the best in the nation with Skinner leading the charge.

“A lot of lives were changed,” Skinner recalls. “And it wasn’t just rugby, these guys went to amusement parks, rafting in New Zealand, all kinds of things.”

Success on the rugby field led to an expansion of adult wheelchair basketball and a new youth program that included adaptive sports like power soccer, swimming, basketball and track and field. Team St. Luke’s – and later ParaSport Spokane – proved Skinner’s theory that life’s barriers can be overcome with a generous supply of resilience and unwavering ambition.

“It changes everything when you realize there’s nothing you can’t do,” she said.

Q: You participated in several sports while in high school. What lessons from those years have you carried over into your approach as a coach and trainer?

A: I enjoyed cross country, track and field and volleyball. I had some great coaches who were patient and compassionate but also had high expectations. I learned a lot from them and continue to learn from my current mentors, reading, listening to podcasts and seminars. I would say that one of the lessons I learned from my track coach was that being active and competing has to be fun. It can be hard too but it has to be fun.

Especially when learning a new skill.

When teaching us a new skill, it never felt like we were in a time crunch to figure it out and master it. Even though sometimes, as athletes, we felt like there was this looming deadline.

He always reminded us that learning any new skill takes time and everyone learns at different speeds and in different ways and its OK. Totally OK. See SKINNER, Page 5

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Millwood revises comprehensive plan

By Nina Culver

Current Contributor

Millwood’s Planning Commission has recommended that Comprehensive Plan amendment requests to change the designation of four parcels from residential to C-2 commercial be denied. The amendments will now go before the city council, which will decide whether to accept or reject the negative recommendation from the planning commission.

Chuck and Shelly Watkins requested a change from residential to commercial for property they own at 8939 E. Frederick Ave. The property is currently vacant except for a small garage. The other three properties, all residential homes owned by Millwood Presbyterian Church, are located at 4309 N. Hutchinson, 8918 E. Dalton and 8902 E. Dalton.

Planning commission chairman Kelly Stravens said numerous people came to a meeting in January to speak against the proposals and more wrote letters to the city formally protesting the proposed changes.

“There were more people that testified for the church one,” he said.

“There majority by far were opposed to it.”

People voiced similar concerns, including commercial properties bringing more traffic to a residential neighborhood. People also worried about what might go on the properties, Stravens said. “It could be any commercial use,” he said. “That was a concern.”

The two properties on Dalton Avenue are in Millwood’s historic district and neighbors had particular concerns about how changing those parcels to commercial would impact the historic district, Stravens said.

Resident Karen Buck, who lives on Dalton Avenue, was among several people who sent letters opposing the land use change requests by Millwood Presbyterian. “I want to go on record as being vehemently opposed to such a request,” she wrote. “The area they want to change into a commercial site is in the very heart of the historic part of the city. Please planning commission, do not approve this request that is both ludicrous and terrifying.”

Resident Jean Gerrells said she thought the changes would destroy the neighborhood. “I moved to Millwood because of the peaceful and picturesque neighborhood, the beautiful tree lined streets and the overall Norman Rockwell feel,” she wrote.

The Current

Resident Luke Gordon wrote to “strongly urge” the planning commission to reject the proposed changes. He said he was worried that it might make it more difficult for his young children to play outside and ride their bikes on the sidewalk.

“While I enjoy the local Millwood businesses along Argonne and Euclid, I have no desire to see a business in the middle of the Millwood neighborhood,” Gordon wrote. “Having a business in the neighborhood would likely bring additional traffic, which is not something we’d be supportive of.”

The Millwood Historic Preservation Commission and the Millwood History Enthusiasts also objected to the changes requested by Millwood Presbyterian.

The History Enthusiasts wrote that the church could probably earn more money by selling the properties as residential, not commercial land.

“Two houses, the Black House (E 8919 Dalton) and the Sharpless House (E 8910 Dalton) were built in the 1920s,” they wrote. “As Millwood History Enthusiasts, we feel these properties should remain residential.”

The job of the planning commission is to consider if the requested changes met the criteria that allow a change in the Comprehensive Plan land use designation, Stravens said. Those criteria consider whether there has been a change in conditions or whether the change is in to correct a mapping error.

The commission members voted unanimously to reject all four proposed amendments. “They didn’t meet the criteria set forth,” Stravens said. “The reason we have the comprehensive plan is to have a plan for the city. There wasn’t a policy that warranted the change, in my opinion. In these cases, there wasn’t that overall deciding factor.”

Stravens said that part of the problem, particularly for the two parcels on Dalton owned by Millwood Presbyterian, was that they are surrounded by other residential properties and aren’t near any commercial property.

“It’s not adjacent to the commercial,” he said. “That would be a fairly big incursion into a residential neighborhood. It’s a little bit different for Frederick. It has multi-family next door. That had a different feel to it.

In the future I might see that as a C-2 zone.”

Both property owners said they wanted to rezone the properties as commercial at the same time as See MILLWOOD, Page 6

The Current

SKINNER

NEWS

Continued from page 2 Q: What misperceptions do you think the average person still may have when it comes to people with disabilities competing in athletics?

A: That they can’t work as hard as an able-bodied athlete or that they are “breakable” – although some actually are if they have osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones disease). But most athletes with disabilities are not breakable.

Q: When you started the wheelchair rugby program at St. Luke's, what was the spectrum of feedback like?

A: I started wheelchair rugby with an incredibly supportive and passionate person, Cheryl Brandt and that made a huge difference on how quickly it moved and became a reality. Some people were initially confused about the sport and not supportive. But it didn’t take long for them to accept and embrace it.

The feedback from the athletes that we were recruiting was mixed too.

Some required a lot of convincing and weekly phone calls to come to practice, while others were requesting an increase in the number of days that we could get into the gym to practice.

Some were even driving five hours round trip, twice a week, to come to practice.

Q: What kind of impact did that rugby team have on those who were part of it?

A: Rugby was definitely a catalyst that helped change their lives. Some of them went back to school, some were motivated to attend universities in other states and continue playing the sport there. A couple of them started their own businesses, one moved out of the nursing home and all of them got stronger and dramatically increased their levels of independence.

Q: ParaSport Spokane has been based in Spokane Valley at Valley Christian School for a few years now.

How has that location worked out for you and your athletes?

A: It’s amazing! Such an incredible blessing to not only officially be a part of the Spokane Valley but to help support another local nonprofit, Valley Christian School, by leasing space from them. VCS has been so wonderful to us. To be able to have all of our programs, except swimming, in one location is so completely fantastic.

Q: You often describe ParaSport Spokane as "a catalyst for life." How have you seen that theme manifest itself?

A: We work on so many things at ParaSport – Increasing confidence, independence, your advocacy voice, strength, endurance, acceptance of yourself and others, ability to communicate and interact, ability to socialize with confidence, travel the world, look at life through a different lens, to compete, to experience life, love, joy, friendship, peace and harmony. We talk about increasing the size of your “family” with the ParaSport family, to process things, for support, for understanding, for assistance with challenges. Our athletes are going to college, getting full-time and part-time jobs, creating their own companies, running for school leadership positions, joining their school sport teams and building life-long friendships.

Q: As a coach and therapist, you have obviously inspired and encouraged many athletes to achieve their potential. In what ways have these athletes inspired and encouraged you?

A: I just told one of our athletes yesterday that I have coached off and on since 1998, that his new focus, drive, and passion toward racing and making Tokyo this year completely warms my heart. But it’s not just because of the sport focus – it’s everything. He is working full-time, but ready to go back to school in the fall to pursue his dream of being a special education teacher. He is finishing his application to EWU and signed to play wheelchair basketball on the very first collegiate team on the West Coast. He is giving back to adapted sports by coaching our prep wheelchair basketball team.

It’s all of that! And I have so many of these stories. Even though I have very high expectations for all of our athletes, it is probably at least once a week, that one or more of them exceed that expectation – and not just by a little but a lot. And that brings me to another way to get involved with us – volunteer. I promise you, if you get connected with us, you will love us. It’s the athletes and our amazing core group of coaches and volunteers!

And one of them has been with me in the amazing adaptive sport world for more than two decades. Tomie Zuchetto is our ParaSport board president and our head coach for our wheelchair basketball team. None of this would have happened without the amazingly positive supportive influence that she has and continues to have, on all of us – the board, the athletes and me. ParaSport Spokane is an incredible program because it is made up of incredible coaches and volunteers working with incredible athletes and their families. I am honored and thankful to be a part of it.

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The Current

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Continued from page 4 the Comprehensive Plan land use designation change, but neither filed the appropriate paperwork and the rezone wasn’t considered, Stravens said.

Millwood Presbyterian indicated that it wanted the land use change to make the properties more marketable should they sell them, Stravens said. The Watkins’ indicated in their application that they planned to put a 2,400 square foot warehouse and parking on the Frederick property.

Stravens said there is a shortage of available commercial property in Millwood, but any property changed to commercial use needs to fit in with the surrounding neighborhood. “We really could use some more commercial property,” he said. “I think we only have a couple of vacant lots in a C-2 zone.”

Though the planning commission has made its recommendation, the city council will have the final say, Stravens said. “We’re just a recommending body,” he said. “There are very few things we have full decision making on.”

The city council is expected to consider the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and the recommendations of the planning commission at its next meeting at 7 p.m. on March 10.

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APRIL 2020 • 7

The Current

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SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH With COVID-19 making its way through our community, we would like to remind you to please “Stay home and stay healthy.” If you do need to go out, please remember to;

1. Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from other community members.

2. Only buy what you need. The recent onslaught of over buying of items has caused shortages in the immediate food supply in our community. The only way for those to replenish is to give them time to transport and restock those items. Please only purchase what you need.

3. Wash you hands! Remember to wash your hand after each outing you may embark on.

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By Spokane Valley Police Chief Mark Werner The maps provided below depict where citizens have reported Vehicle Thefts, Thefts from a Vehicle (also known as vehicle prowling), Burglaries and Thefts. As you view the map each circle will contain a number indicating how many instances of a particular crime were reported at that location.

Thefts from a vehicle is often under reported as people often feel nothing can be done or they only lost a small quantity of loose change. However, the Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s office analyze this data to determine high crime areas and where to allocate resources. I encourage citizens who have been a victim of crime to call 911, if the crime is in progress, or Crime Check at 456-2233, if not in progress, to report a crime.

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Safety Awareness Channel

4. Keep surfaces clean. COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time. Wipe frequently used surfaces daily to contain contamination.

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• APRIL 2020

NEWS

Work at city hall continues amidst emergency declaration

By Bill Gothmann Current Contributor

Spokane Emergency

Valley

The Current

Declares

City Manager Mark Calhoun declared an emergency due to the COVID-19 virus and the Council ratified the declaration. He also announced a number of actions such as cancelling all parks and recreation events, locking City Hall’s west door and using only the east door, having about one-half of the employees work from home, relaxing permit rules, closing Centerplace, and waiving the convenience fee for permits.

Council encourages citizens to use email when contacting Council members, citycouncil@ spokanevalley.org.

Because of the closure of restaurants, citizens are encouraged to use pickup or delivery.

Health Department Discusses Corona Virus Officials from the Spokane Regional Health Department briefed the Council concerning the Corona Virus.

They noted that, thus far, the most severely affected were the elderly, especially those with underlying health problem.

For many others, it appears the same as a cold or flu. Some have no symptoms. In answer to a question by Council member Pam Haley, who operates several child care facilities serving 250 children, they noting that, thus far, the young have not been affected. Target groups include health care workers, congregate health care facilities, the homeless, dorms, and jails. They recommended the classic strategies of washing hands frequently and deep cleaning surfaces, but

discourage the use of masks by the general public, but encouraged their use by those who are sick. Dr. Bob Lutz, Spokane Regional Health Officer, noted that a person may not feel the effects of the COVID-19 virus until five days after the infestation.

Symptoms include chest tightness, chest congestion, shortness of breath, and fever. If these symptoms occur, call your health provider. He/she will evaluate whether a COVID-19 test is warranted. Do not go to the emergency hospital or clinic.

City Seeks Delay in Purchasing Land from State Washington Department of Transportation has declared as surplus four parcels of land adjacent to Sullivan Park, east of Flora, south of the Union Pacific tracks, and north of the Spokane River. The purchase price would be $2,091,600. The City is asking the Washington Recreation Conservation Office to provide a $1 million grant to aid in the acquisition.

If the grant is not successful, the City would have to bear the entire cost of the purchase. $781,209 would come from the Capital Reserve Fund and $1.3 million would come from the general fund as a non-recurring 2020 expenditure.

However, Council noted that the COVID-19 virus changes the financial landscape.

The closing of restaurants, possible fewer car purchases, and reduction of the Mall business could cut deeply into the City’s sales tax revenue.

In addition, organizations such as Spokane Valley Partners may need funds to help citizens get through this crisis. On the other hand, private entities, one a sand pit, are anxious to purchase the land for commercial operations. The State is required to first offer the land to public entities

such as cities, before it can offer it to private entities. Council expressed a strong desire to acquire the land.

However, because of the present health crisis, they asked staff to meet with WSDOT to seek a twoweek delay in moving further on the transaction.

City Reviews Accomplishments

City staff reported on 2019 accomplishments including the following examples. City Council attended 53 meetings during the year and sat on 18 different regional and city committees such as Chamber of Commerce Board, Clean Air Agency, Health District Board, Visit Spokane, and the City’s Finance Committee. They adopted 19 resolutions and passed 21 ordinances.

The City Clerk received 553 public records requests, spending 974 hours processing them.

Contract Administration reviewed estimated law enforcement costs, resulting in savings of $2,324,545.

Human Resources managed 23 recruitments averaging 30 applicants each, interviewed 107 candidates, and hired 26 employees.

The City Attorney resolved 36 nuisances and code enforcement cases, including five abatements.

Finance received a “clean” opinion from State Auditors.

Code Enforcement processed 648 Citizen Action Requests.

Community and Public Works completed seven street preservation projects, worked on 18 design projects, and nine construction projects. Traffic Operations conducted 136 traffic counts and replaced 134 outdated pushbuttons, and upgraded loop detector cards at 26 intersections.

Stormwater laborers swept over 1,340 cubic yards of street debris and cleaned over 2000 storm water structures. Parks and Recreation administered 29 special event

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2019

permits with an estimated 54,000 participants. Valley Police Deputies responded to 30,393 of the 48,511 calls for service and received re-accreditation through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

Sprague/Barker Selected

After considerable discussion, Council decided to have a roundabout instead of a traffic signal at Sprague and Barker. At the present time, this intersection has a four way stop. Its existing level of service (LOS) is and F, on a scale of A-F. This is determined by the amount of delay for cars getting through the intersection. Barker has 9,300 average daily trips (ADT) per day and Sprague has 4,700 ADT. Controlling the intersection is complicated by a residential entrance at the south east corner and a church building at the south west corner. There is, however, vacant land to the northeast.

Staff compared the costs and performance of a traffic signal and a roundabout for the intersection.

The estimated LOS in 2040 would be D for a traffic signal and A for a roundabout. The cost of a traffic signal is estimated to be $2.8 million for the traffic signal and $2.3 for the roundabout. A traffic signal would have a larger footprint and a greater number of utility relocations than the roundabout, primarily because turn lanes are required for the traffic signal. The roundabout configuration has proved safer than the signalized intersection because of its lower speeds and fewer points of conflict. Finally, a roundabout would have lower maintenance costs. For this reason, staff recommended the roundabout configuration.

Staff held a public meeting in

Tina T., Member-owner

Melinda C, Member-owner

Ashley L., Member-owner

Roundabout

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March of 2015 at which about 70 people attended.

Staff received 14 comments supporting the roundabout and nine against. Staff also coordinated with Central Valley School District (CVSD), since the new high school would increase traffic through the intersection.

Officials from CVSD favored the roundabout.

The property owner at the south east corner testified that, according to the sketch of the roundabout, she would step directly from her front porch into the roundabout. Several Council members expressed their concern about the property owner’s restrictions. Staff assured her and the Council that the sketch was not the final configuration and agreed to go out to the corner and discuss the citizen’s concern. It appears that the roundabout could be moved further north and east to accommodate her.

Although expressing their concern, Council unanimously approved staff proceeding to the design phase of the roundabout.

Justice Task Force (JTF) Suggests Methods of Reducing Jail Population In looking at needs for a new jail, the JTF found a number of ways to reduce jail beds. They noted that 70% of the jail’s residents are awaiting trial, 17% are serving their sentence, and 16% are occupying beds provided to other agencies under contract.

By providing supervised release for low risk residents and more immediate processing of cases, they estimate a savings of 490 annual jail admissions or 19 beds. Similarly, by redesigning confusing citations, expanding court date reminders, and expanding peer supports, they can reduce failureto-appear statistics by 674 annual admissions, and eliminate five beds.

Council member Pam Haley, a member of the JTF, noted that some people are in jail simply because they cannot raise $50 for bail.

Art Sculpture Considered

Placements

The City recently accepted the gift of three sculptures and staff brought forward proposals for their placement.

“Indomitable Spirit” will be placed at either the Evergreen Trailhead or the University Trailhead of the Appleway Trail. “Rock Star” will be placed near the Centerplace West Lawn stage or possibly at another future, undivulged location.

“Huckleberry Daze” will be placed in Greenacres Park.

APRIL 2020 • 9

NEWS

Sites for another three sculptures had already been considered.

“Heart of the Valley” and “Ascent” will be placed in Balfour Park when it is developed. “If I Could Fly” will be placed in the Centerplace West Lawn area. Placement is estimated to cost between 12 and 23 thousand dollars per sculpture.

Senior Citizens Protest over (False) Rumor of Moving

A number of senior citizens appeared before council to protest a rumor that the Senior Center in Centerplace was moving to the Library and to present a petition signed by 375 members of the Center.

However, this proved to be a false rumor. Mayor Wick pointed out that the City owns Centerplace and has no authority over the Library which is owned by the County. The Library District has its own board of directors and its own budget, over which the City has no power.

He pointed out that there has been no discussion on such a move by the Spokane Valley City Council and no discussion of such a move is either anticipated or scheduled for the future. He also checked with the Library officials and found that there was no proposal of such a move in the wind by the Library Board.

Council member Arne Woodard stated that, in encouraging the library to build a new building on Balfour Park, he suggested to board members that other uses could be considered, including a senior center. The newspaper then picked this up and published it as a proposal.

Street Maintenance Approved

Contract

City Council approved a $1.5 million contract to Poe Asphalt for street and stormwater maintenance.

Such work consists of asphalt repair, roadway shoulder repair and grading, gravel road grading, crack sealing, sidewalk and path repair, guardrail repair, fencing repair, drainage structure repair and installation, curb, gutter and inlet repair and installation, and other related work. The contract was bid based upon historical rates for labor, equipment, and material. The contract commences early this year and extends to the end of 2020, with four years of possible extension.

This contract is 3% over last year’s contract, almost entirely due to an increase in the State’s prevailing wage rates.

Sidewalk and Road Projects Reviewed

Six projects were reviewed by Council and will be placed on a future agenda for consideration. The City will provide a 2 inch pavement overlay/inlay for Indiana Avenue from Evergreen to Sullivan. The City will construct a roundabout at the intersection of Barker and Sprague. The City will provide conduit and fiber optic cable on Sullivan from I-90 to SR-290 (Trent).

This will connect traffic signals and controllers to the Spokane Regional Traffic Management Center. The City will install sidewalks on the east side of Adams Road between 16th and 22nd. Avenues. The City will install sidewalk and curbing, and widen Ella Road between Broadway Avenue and Alki Road.

The City will install a sidewalk and gutter between Appleway Trail and Riceland Lane. Subsequent to this review, Council awarded a $1,600,000 contract to Inland Asphalt for the Indiana project.

Federal Request for Projects and to Reduce Red Tape The City selected Cardinal Infrastructure to be its lobbyist in Washington D.C. Council and staff will be traveling to D.C. to meet with federal administrators and legislators to request items benefitting Spokane Valley.

In preparation for this, Council adopted a 2020 Federal Legislative that includes two capital requests: $19.3 million for the Pines Road/ BNSF Railway Grade Separation Project and $26.6 million for the Sullivan Road Corridor. A third item requests streamlining the process for federally funded transportation projects.

For example, the Buy America program requires identifying which products have American steel. Recently, staff noted they spent time disassembling sprinklers to ascertain the amount of steel in them to meet the requirement.

On small projects, the cost of the Buy America program can exceed by many times the cost of the item itself. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program requires the City to get bids from disadvantage classes such as minorities and women.

Many times, there are none locally and the City has had to import those from Portland, delaying a project while they travel back and forth on their own time schedule. In both of these programs, the City is asking to exempt small contracts.

Council Briefs • City Council approved an update to the Planning Commission rules, making it consistent with the governance manual used by the Council. Among other changes, the update addresses rules on attendance and conditions for excusing absences.

• Mayor Ben Wick announced that the Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) has allocated $1.9 million toward the Right-of-Way phase of the Pines Grade Separation Project.

• Council awarded the 2020 Street Sweeping Services contract to AAA Sweeping for an initial amount not to exceed $560,000. AAA was the only respondent to a recent Request for Bid, and has provided this service since 2007.

• At the request of Council, staff investigated whether local electric utilities could provide the service of electrical inspection instead of the present Washington Department of Labor and Industries. Utilities declined to do this indicating they do not have qualified electricians on staff.

• Council passed a fencing regulation amendment that allows a fence height to be measured from the finished grade elevation immediately adjacent to the fence (as opposed to including the height of a retaining wall or lower elevation of a slope).

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10

• APRIL 2020

COVID-19

By Ben WIck

Current Publisher

In early March, Spokane Regional Health District Administrator Amelia Clark and Epidemiologist Mark Springer spoke before the Spokane Valley City Council meeting, briefing the council on the outbreak of Coronavirus or COVID-19.

“We want to delay its approach from western Washington, Oregon, and California to eastern Washington as long as possible to give our healthcare system a better ability to respond,” said Springer. “We have faced challenges like this before with the 2009 pandemic. We have a lot of health care resources available in our community and we don’t want to overwhelm them.”

Looking at the patterns of the virus and which populations are most impacted by it, he said, “We are fortunate that the virus doesn’t seem to be impacting our young…but it seems to be focusing on our elderly and those with chronic medical conditions,” citing the need to be mindful of those in retirement centers and supportive living centers.

Springer went on to say, “The better we know when the virus comes into our community the better we can begin our social distancing programs to slow the spread” but voiced frustration at the limitations of gaining access to the testing needed to identify the prevalence of the virus within our community.

Within days, the Spokane Regional Health Officer Dr. Bob Lutz,

The Current

supported by many local mayors and county commissioners, including Mayors Shane Brickner of the City of Liberty Lake, Kevin Freeman Mayor of the City of Millwood, and Ben Wick Mayor of the City of Spokane Valley, ordered the cancellation of all events and gatherings over 250 people and started the more formal social distancing protocols.

That was quickly followed by series of executive orders beginning with Governor Jay Inslee declaring a state of emergency, closing all schools K-12 and higher education, as well as business that are typically congregation points for people, including restaurants, bars, and salons. This was followed by declarations of emergency from Spokane County, and most if not all of the cities within the county, including Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Millwood. This gave the business community within their respective jurisdictions access to federal disaster relief assistance as well as allowed for more expedited purchasing and decision-making at city hall in order to follow recommendations from the regional health officer. The latest order from the Governor issuing a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order closing all non-essential businesses until midnight on April 6th unless extended further expanded upon the non-pharmaceutical interventions that had already been in place.

In order to better serve the Greater Spokane community, the Spokane County Sheriff has initiated the Emergency Coordination Center where the Spokane Regional Health District, Spokane County Department

of Emergency Management, cities of Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and most other municipalities are pooling resources to provide coordinated efforts and messages for the community. This group has done numerous Facebook streaming videos under the group called “Spokane COVID Response” and has a website at spokanecovidresponse. org.

It is worth noting that this story is ever evolving and while we covered what has happened to date, events are continuing to unfold throughout the coming month and please follow the SpokaneCovidResponse.org and Facebook page for more recent developments

Staying Healthy

According to both the Spokane Regional Health District and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to stay healthy is by practicing good social distancing of having 6 feet or more of space between each other, washing your hands frequently, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.

“This is not intended to mean isolation – the Governor’s new order requires people to limit their dayto-day activities to those that are essential. They can still leave their homes to do their grocery shopping, go the pharmacy, accomplish essential services, or simply go for a walk. We need to change our routines. This is going to have to be our new normal for a while.” Lutz explains.

According to the Washington State Department of Health website,

as of March 23rd, while only 14% of the confirmed cases were people 80 year of age or older they represent 50% of the 132 COVID-19- related deaths in the state of Washington, and similarly 15% of the confirmed cases are those between the ages of 70 to 79 they account for 30% of the deaths.

While this suggests that we should focus on the older population, Dr. Lutz is concerned about other groups.

“The younger populations, those in their 20s or 30s who might have high hospitalization rates, aren’t immune to being infected…seem to think they are invincible and tend not to follow the established guidelines; however they are going home and infecting grandma and grandpa or mom and dad who might not be able to survive the virus” he went on to explain. “We are all in this together and we all need to do our part to stay healthy and not spread the disease.”

For those who have COVID-19 symptoms, health care professionals from CHAS, Kaiser Permanente, MultiCare, and Providence have come together to put together a drivethrough screening site at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center at 404 N Havana which is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. No doctor referral is needed to attend but providers are asking only those people over 60 years old or have an underlying medical condition and have a fever and a cough or shortness of breath come for testing. Also note that additional screening will take place and not everyone who will get tested.

APRIL 2020 • 11

The Current

#OrderUp SpokaneValley

Even with the Governor’s Order to close dine in restaurants and bars, the following locations have modified their businesses to allow pickup or curbside pickup to still be able to operate under the new regulations.

Per the Health District guidance as long as we are all practicing social distancing of 6 feet or more and minimizing our contact with others we can still go out to get food for dine out. If you find yourself wanting to get some take out don’t forget to support our local businesses to help them operate and keep our neighbors employed through this troubling time as well. Encourage others to do the same by sharing your experiences online using #OrderUpLibertyLake.

Applebee’s American 509-928-2494 12217 E. Mission Ave. Azteca Mexican Restaurant Mexican 509-228-9661 1400 E. Indiana St. Bangkok Thai Asian 509 315-9943 101 N. Argonee Rd.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019)

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in 2019. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses often associated with the common cold. Found in many animal species including cattle, cats and bats, animal coronaviruses sometimes infect people and then change, allowing them to spread from person to person.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms may appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus and include the following:

Fever

Cough

Difficulty breathing

Less common: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea

How Does it Spread?

Health experts are still learning the details about how COVID-19 spreads.

Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through these methods:

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Boomers Bar & Grill American 509-368-9847 18219 E. Appleway Ave. Boston’s Restaurant Pizza, American 509-927-4284 14004 E. Indiana Ave.

Through the air (within about 6 feet) by coughing and sneezing

Being in close contact with others (closer than 6 feet) or by touching/shaking hands

Touching a surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

In rare cases, contact with feces

How to Reduce Risk of Infection with COVID-19

There are currently no vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and there are no special precautions to prevent infection. Take the same steps as you would to prevent infection with the flu or common cold:

Broadway Diner American 509-534-7445 6606 E Broadway Brothers Office Pizza 509-926-0086 13221 E. 32nd Ave. Brothers Office Pizza 509-473-0659 12928 E. Mansfield Caruso’s Pizza, Italian 509-474-0254 2314 N. Argonne Rd. Casa De Oro Mexican 509-921-2122 1611 N. Mullan Rd. Charlie P’s American 509-928-8600 8125 E. Sprague Ave. Churri Fresh Mex Mexican 509-838-7551 2026 N. Argonne Rd.

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Avoid contact with people who are sick

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Conley’s Place Restaurant American 509-924-5411 12622 E. Sprague Ave. Craft & Gather American 509-795-1825 4403 S. Dishman Mica Crimson Hearth European, American 509-598-8927 11003 E. Sprague Ave.

Dave’s Bar and Grill American 509-926-9640 12124. E. Sprague Ave. Dickey’s Barbecue Barbecue/American 509-590-4933 14720 E. Sprague Ave. Ferraros Italian 509-928-2303 11204 E. Sprague Ave.

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12

• APRIL 2020

The Current

brought to you by

Student of the Month

Athlete of the Month

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Cole Stewart is an expert juggler at University High School. The senior keeps plenty in the air, including a 4.0 grade point average, Crimson Crew, varsity soccer and status as U-Hi’s Spokane Scholar in math. Stewart was recently selected as salutatorian and was previously nominated as Mr. University. As a Crimson Crew volunteer for the past two years, Stewart helps freshmen students acclimate to high school. He is a member of National Honor Society and collected a 1410 score on the SAT. His time at U-Hi has included eight AP classes. Stewart lettered in soccer for the Titans all four years and has participated in club soccer since middle school. He is also co-president and founder of his school’s spikeball club. In the summer, he works in landscaping and volunteers at Vacation Bible School through Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Whether it’s on the court, diamond or in the classroom, Avery Carbajal excels. The senior at University High School was named “Lady Titan” as an outfielder and pitcher on the fastpitch softball team last season, an award given to the player who best exemplifies the program. She trained all off-season to be the team’s No. 1 pitcher this year. Carbajal was part of a squad that reached the 4A state tournament in 2018. She played volleyball all four years at U-Hi and lettered for the last two seasons. Carbajal maintains a 3.9 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. She is also a Running Start student at Eastern Washington University where she is on the Dean’s List. She plans to study pre-med biology at Grand Canyon University.

Since 2007, Scott Phipps has been helping youth get back on the right track as a volunteer with the Spokane County Juvenile Court Neighborhood Accountability Board. Phipps serves at the Valley board, offering encouragement and guidance to kids who have been charged with misdemeanor crimes. “It’s about helping kids make different decisions and helping them be accountable,” Phipps said. He also volunteers for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a program that supports abused or neglected children, helping them find safe and healthy homes. Phipps also serves as treasurer of the Freeman High School booster club and is on the board of the Spokane Youth Sports Association. He has worked at Avista for 23 years, served as a county library trustee and is the proud father of two children. Phipps notes that both CASA and Juvenile Court could benefit from more volunteers.

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#OrderUp Spokane Valley Continued from page 11 Forza Coffee, American 325 S Sullivan

American 509-863-0518 15716 E. Indiana Ave. Rancho Viejo Mexican 509-927-8428 14201 E. Sprague Ave.

509-703-7240 Red Robin American 509-921-1634 14736 E. Indiana Ave. Fujiyama Japanese 5 0 9 - 9 0 3 - 0 8 8 8 River City Pizza 21801 E Country Vista Dr. Pizza 509-255-7660 17018 E. Sprague Ave. Hallet’s Cafe American 509-926-4076 Round Table Pizza 14109 E. Sprague Ave. #2 Pizza 509-926-5452 15402 E. Sprague Ave. Hello Sugar Donuts, Bakery 509 413-2178 Thai Bamboo 11205 E. Dishman Mica Rd. Thai, Asian 509-444-8424 12722 E. Sprague Ave. HuHot Grill Mongolian 509-891-8711 The Garden Coffee & Local Eats 11703 E. Sprague Ave. Coffee, American 509-315-8612 11114 E. Sprague Ave. IHOP American 509-927-2888 Top of India 14706 E. Indiana Ave. Indian 509-927-0500 11114 E. Sprague Ave. Jenny’s Cafe American 509-928-8055 Trailbreaker Cider 9425 E. Sprague Ave. American 509-279-2159 2204 N Madson St Just Chillin’ Eats and Sweets American, Bakery 509-413-1615 True Legends 1322 N Liberty Lake Rd. American 509-892-3077 1803 N Harvard Rd. Kings Restaurant Chinese 509-928-0513 TTs Old Iron Brewery 17005 E. Sprague Ave. Barbecue, American 509-919-4798 4110 S. Bowdish Rd. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 509-922-7101 Twigs Bistro 15401 E. Indiana Ave. American 509-290-5636 14728 E. Indiana Ave. LaLozy Coffee, Vietnamese 509-928-9112 Wake Up Call 12012 E. Sprague Ave. #1 Coffee 509-473-9534 Various Le Brothers There are also a few other Pho, Vietnamese 509-928-9112 businesses that are able to work 12012 E. Sprague Ave. #1 remotely, but still offer their products for curbside pickup or online order Marandos and delivery incase you are interested Mexican 509-381-5956 in their offerings.

11420 E. Sprague Ave. MAX at Mirabeau American 509-922-6252 1100 N. Sullivan Rd. Mongolian BBQ Mongolian 509-499-8808 15416 E. Sprague Ave. Noodle Express Asian 509-927-4117 707 N. Sullivan Rd. Northwest Pizza Co. Pizza, Italian 509-315-8857 10604 E. 16th Ave. O’Doherty’s Pub and Grill Irish, American 509-924-2578 11723 E. Sprague Ave. Outback Steakhouse Australian, American 509-892-6700 14746 E. Indiana Ave. Panera Bread

Adorkable Flowers and Gifts 509-922-6300 1326 N Liberty Lake Rd facebook.com/adorkableflowers Consign Furniture and Jewelry 509-928-9090 21605 E. Country Vista Dr. consignfurniturenow.com Creative Fix & Co 509-294-7277 facebook.com/creativefixco Falcos 509-926-8911 9310 E Sprague Ave. falcospokane.com Greenacres Vendor Mall 509-309-3236 16814 E Sprague greenacresvendormall.com

Hallet’s Marketplace & Cafe 509-926-4076 14109 E Sprague halletts.com Pawpular Companions 509-927-8890 21801 E Country Vista Dr. Refresh Home and Life 509-241-3147 3319 N Argonne Rd facebook.com/refreshhomespokane Simply Northwest 509-927-8206 11806 E Sprague Ave. simplynorthwest.com The Bohemian 509-496-1859 12019 E Sprague facebook.com/thebohemanspokane Trellis Marketplace 509-928-6158 4102 S Bowdish Rd trellismarketplace.com Trovato Interiors 509-217-6646 9919 E Sprague facebook.com/trovatointeriors

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APRIL 2020 • 15

16

• APRIL 2020

The Crest

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About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Heritage museum exhibit worth the wait

By Nina Culver

Current Contributor

The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum shut its doors to the public in early March when it was midway through creating a new exhibit called “Early Regional History: Spokane and Spokane Valley’s Divergent Cultures.”

Museum director Jayne Singleton amassed artifacts and photos from the early history of the area for the display, which she hopes to be able to finish and show off to the public as soon as possible.

“All the history in this entire region

started in Spokane Valley in the 1860s, 1870s,” she said. “These two cities were interdependent.”

In fact, when downtown Spokane was rebuilt after the Great Fire in 1889, a lot of the granite used to rebuild wooden structures that burned came from A.T. Dishman’s quarry in Spokane Valley. The exhibit includes information on notable people like D.C. Corbin, who was known for his railroad work in Spokane, but in Spokane Valley he was known for building the largest irrigation project ever seen in the region.

The irrigation system began in Post Falls and flowed through Otis Orchards and Spokane Valley, which made possible the apple orchards and farms that dotted the Valley. The so-called Corbin Ditch ran for 34 miles and was owned by the Spokane Valley Irrigation

Company, which Corbin owned along with several investors.

“We’ve basically look at basic historical events – World War I, the Spanish Flu – how did that impact people in the Valley versus the city of Spokane?” Singleton said. “How the cultures developed differently is specifically aligned with our mission, first and foremost, to do exhibits that interpret local history.”

When the museum was first founded, the focus was on preserving Spokane Valley history. Since then the mission has expanded along with the museum’s archives. “We have become more of a regional historical depository,” Singleton said. “Our focus is regional history. We do exhibits with a broader appeal. We’ve done World War II, a Titanic exhibit, but always exploring the local ties.”

The museum building itself is a step back in time. It’s located inside the old Opportunity Township Hall, which is on the state and national historic registers. The museum opened in late 2004 and has been collecting unique artifacts like the sign from the old East Sprague Drive-In ever since.

The Early Regional History exhibit includes photos and artifacts from President Taft’s visits to Spokane and Spokane Valley in 1909. “We have the menu from the Davenport Hotel, where there was a luncheon for him, as well as the ribbons that the delegation from the Spokane Chamber of Commerce wore,” she said. “They’re quite ornate.”

There’s also a 1915 map of Spokane and a giant 1929 map of Spokane Valley. “It’s ten feet long,” she said of the Spokane Valley map. “You can really see the detail.”

There are plenty of photographs of the early history of the area, as well as an old camera in a wooden case that would have been the same type of camera to take some of the photographs the museum has. Singleton said the camera

is from about 1889. “The case is wood,” she said. “A lot of the early ones were.”

Visitors can also see an unopened box of bath salts from Medical Lake, which became known for its allegedly healing waters early on. “It became a draw for people,” she said.

A portable lumber scale, circa 1920, also sits inside the museum.

“In the early days there were a lot of sawmills in the area,” she said.

Singleton said she doesn’t want to give away too much information about all the artifacts she has in the exhibit, but said it will be worth people’s while to stop in once the museum is able to reopen. “There’s obvious reasons that Spokane and Spokane Valley developed different, but there’s some not so obvious reasons that we focused on,” she said.

During normal times the museum at 12114 E. Sprague is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and retired military and $3 for children 7 and up.

But Singleton said she isn’t at all sure when the museum might be able to get back to normal. “We are listening to the information being shared in our state and nationally,” she said. “We don’t have a clear idea of when we will reopen.”

The museum is still selling photos and filling research requests. People can call (509) 9224570 with requests or visit www. spokanevalleymuseum.com.

The museum typically offers group tours, school field trips and history presentations. All those are currently on hold.

Singleton said she’s not worried too much about the museum being closed. “We’re okay,” she said.

“Having said that, we don’t want to be closed. We can’t share history if we’re closed. You want people to come and learn. We are a learning center.”

APRIL 2020 • 17

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Trophy Town – Valley teams make statement at state

By Craig Howard

Current Contributing Editor

High school teams east of the Cascades have been making noise at the state basketball tournament for nearly a century now.

In 1923, Walla Walla won the first of two 4A boys’ championships, defeating Prosser in a defensive joust that featured a mere 36 points between the two teams. In 1925, Yakima took the trophy, followed by Lewis and Clark, representing the Spokane City League, predecessor to the Greater Spokane League (GSL).

The last two decades have been defined by an eastside dynasty on the 4A girls’ side with GSL squads winning a dozen titles since 2001 and Central Valley claiming five of those to go along with a crown in 1993.

On the 1A level, the Freeman girls have been among Washington’s elite, winning it all in 2010 and 2011 while placing third this year.

While westside programs like Garfield, Federal Way, O’Dea and Rainer Beach garner most of the headlines on the boys’ side, Gonzaga Prep and Ferris of the GSL have won a combined five trophies in the 4A boys’ bracket since 2007 while the Central Valley boys have competed in

a three 4A championship games since 2006.

Despite the post-season resume, Eastern Washington schools often find themselves as the underdog when facing more publicized programs from “the coast.”

CV head coach Mike Laws could relate to the feeling when his squad faced off against undefeated and topranked Union of Vancouver in this year’s 4A boys’ semifinal. Just before tip-off, Union fans launched into the familiar chant of “I believe that we will win.”

“They were undefeated, probably looking ahead to the title game,” Laws said. “We’re just a bunch of kids from Veradale.”

The Bears handed Union its first loss of the season and moved on to the 4A final, one of three Valley teams to reach their respective title game last month. The CV boys would finish second to Mt. Si while the CV girls won their sixth state trophy, edging previously undefeated Woodinville.

In the 2A girls’ bracket, eighthseeded West Valley vaulted to the championship game for the first time since 1997, eventually falling to No. 1 seed Lynden.

In a year where March Madness was sidelined on the national stage, a trio of local teams provided some spectacular hoops hysteria of their own.

2020 vision began early for Bears Noah Sanders remembers anticipating his senior year at Central Valley as far back as elementary

Contributed photo West Valley Eagles played in their first state championship since 1997.

school. He and his basketball buddies had a feeling that 2020 would be special.

“In grade school, you get your shirt that has your graduating class,” Sanders recalls. “Ever since we were younger, we thought 2020 would be our year.”

Sanders and fellow CV seniors Jayce Simmons, Quinn Johnson, Luke Sukut, Alex Knudsen and Carsen Raab share a history on the court that began in YMCA and AAU leagues on the grade school level. It’s a group that knows where to find each other on the court after so many years. Call it a shared peripheral vision.

“You have that feeling of trust in your teammates,” Sanders said.

Ask Laws what that sort of teamwork meant to a run that included a regular-season Greater Spokane League title, district championship and runner-up finish at state this year and he will deliver a sermon on unselfishness.

“The reason we had success was just the great chemistry we had all year,” Laws said. “No egos. It was just all for each other.”

The Bears churned through the regular season, winning 15 games in a row after an early non-league loss to Richland. An upset defeat to crosstown rival University on Feb. 4 broke the streak and served as a wake-up call according to Sanders.

“I think that helped us play better just knowing we could lose,” he said.

In the district semifinal, the Bears were trailing Walla Walla by three points going into the final quarter. CV rallied behind 20 points from Raab, 15 from Sanders and 12 by Simmons for an 84-77 win.

“Coach just stayed positive in the huddle,” Sanders said.

CV captured the district trophy on Feb. 21, defeating Gonzaga Prep, 68-53, the Bears’ third win over the defending 4A state champs during the year.

Next came Federal Way, a westside powerhouse with three state titles to its credit. The winner would vault directly to the state quarterfinals in Tacoma the following Thursday.

The contest at University High on Feb. 29 served as a de facto home game for the Bears who started strong

and took a 42-35 lead into halftime.

Despite several frantic runs by the Eagles, CV kept its composure and secured a 76-72 win that Sanders clinched with a three-pointer in the closing minute. He would lead the Bears with 22 points. Junior post Gavin Gilstrap was also a catalyst in the victory on both ends of the court.

“That game was symbolic of our entire season,” Laws said. “When adversity came our way, we had someone step up.”

The Bears began their quest for the second 4A title in school history against Skyview of Vancouver, rumbling to an 18-point lead late in the third quarter. The Storm refused to go away, however, scoring 10 straight points in the final period and tying the game at 61 all with just under three minutes to go.

A dunk by Gilstrap made it 6561 before Kyle Gruhler hit two free throws for the Storm. A CV turnover and another Skyview free throw closed the margin to 65-64. The Storm got the ball back with just over four seconds left but a corner three by Gruhler fell off the mark and CV moved onto the semifinal to face topranked and undefeated Union, led by senior Tanner Toolson, Washington’s Mr. Basketball averaging 23 points a game.

The Bears trailed by one after the first eight minutes but outscored Union 29-20 over the next two quarters. CV’s signature scrambling defense translated into few quality shots for Toolson and his teammates.

Sanders led the way with 16 points followed by sophomore Dylan Darling with 14 in the 63-55 win. For only the fifth time in school history, Central Valley was headed to the state championship game.

“It was right up there with the best games we’ve played all year,” Laws said.

Mt. Si awaited the Bears on March 7 at centerstage in the Tacoma Dome.

The second-ranked Wildcats reached the 4A final in 2019, losing to Gonzaga Prep. Against CV, they jumped out to a 14-6 first quarter lead, paced by St. Mary’s-bound Jabe Mullins, a 6-6 shooting guard who finished with 26 points.

The Bears pulled within six points in the second half but it was Union’s time to shine. The Wildcats prevailed

APRIL 2020 • 19

The Current

58-47 to win the school’s second state title and first since 1977. CV finished 24-3.

“It’s a heck of a feat just to get to that last game,” said Laws. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team. We maximized what we had.”

Laws said the tears in the locker room afterwards “weren’t about losing the championship as much as knowing this was the last time many of these guys would be on the court together.”

“We’d always say, ‘Play for the guy next to you,’” Sanders said. “And that’s what we did.”

Eagles soar to historic season For West Valley senior Hailey Marlow, the opportunity to end her school’s 23-year hiatus from the state finals boiled down to a few seconds.

Tied with Tumwater, 40-40 in the waning stages of the 2A semifinal at the Yakima Valley SunDome, the Eagles gave the ball to Marlow, the team’s top-scorer. For WV fans, the scenario felt familiar. In January, Marlow hit the go-ahead basket with 10 seconds left to propel her team to a 52-50 win over rival East Valley.

This time, there would be more on the line.

With the clock ticking down, Marlow calmly dribbled to the threepoint line before losing her defender with a crafty step-back move. The space allowed Marlow to launch an arcing shot that settled into the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the Eagles to the state championship game for the first time since 1997.

“I was as surprised as everyone else when it went through,” said Marlow who had missed on her previous five three-point attempts but finished with 14 points.

Tumwater had been seeded third coming into the game while the Eagles were eighth in the 2A bracket.

The Eagles trailed by as many as nine in the second half before emerging with the victory.

“We knew they were fast but we didn’t think they had that kind of quickness,” Marlow said. “I was just so happy for our team. It was very emotional after that game.”

The game before, another WV senior, Jillian Taylor, retrieved her own missed shot with time running out and scored the deciding hoop in a 44-43 win against W.F. West of Chehalis. Again, the Eagles battled back from a second-half deficit – 12 points this time – before switching to a zone defense. A three-pointer by Taylor brought WV to within 40-39 at the two-minute mark in the fourth

quarter.

Swarming defense, savvy fouling and timely shots would define WV’s comeback in the quarterfinal. West Valley sophomore Nevaeh Sherwood hit a jumper with 33 seconds left to make it 43-42 and set the stage for Taylor’s heroics.

“I’d been telling the team that our goal is to be playing on March 7 at 5 o’clock,” said WV fourth-year head coach Rick Jones. “Well, we did it.”

West Valley pushed Lynden in a regional playoff game on Feb. 29, leading at halftime before the Lions prevailed 48-36. This time, the Eagles stayed close for two quarters, trailing 20-15 at intermission before Lynden pulled away for a 60-38 win and the 2A trophy. WV finished 21-6 on the year.

“They’re just a great team,” said Marlow who had 13 points in her final high school game. “It was just good knowing that the two best teams in the state played in the championship.”

Marlow will continue her basketball career next season on scholarship at Seattle Pacific University. Her best friend Taylor will move on as a softball player, joining the roster at New Mexico State.

Marlow and senior teammate Alyssa Amann – a defensive specialist – were named to the All GNL First Team while Taylor and Sherwood were second team selections.

While the four all-conference guards were catalysts for the state runners-up, Jones said the entire roster brought a winning attitude.

“This team was just so competitive,” Jones said. “They never quit. They believed in themselves.”

Marlow said she and her teammates were aware of how many had underestimated the Eagles going into the season.

“A lot of people doubted us,” she said. “That was probably our biggest motivator.”

After winning the GNL regular season title, West Valley ran into league rival Clarkston in the district championship game. Playing on the Eagles’ home court, the Bantams walked away with a 40-39 win, sending WV into a loser-out game at Prosser.

“Clarkston is a tough team and they brought everyone back from last year,” Jones said. “That game, in the big picture, gave us a chance to fix a couple of things and I think it also tested our character.”

Marlow said the loss was a wakeup call.

Photo by Erik Smith Photography Central Valley Lady bears with their sixth trophy.

“It let us know that we needed to step up and play our game,” she said.

Marlow said the Eagles brought “a different level of confidence” into the elimination game at Prosser. The 6349 win meant WV would be assured of advancing to the state bracket where 67-36 trouncing of Black Hills in the first round paved the way to the quarterfinal.

For Marlow, a four-year letterwinner, the historic season was a byproduct of putting the team first.

“I think we showed that you really need to be there for your team,” she said. “This season, every player supported each other and it showed.

We made it to the state final.”

Orrell orchestrates CV’s sixth state title Reaching the Tacoma Dome, let alone winning a sixth state title, seemed remote for the Central Valley girls’ basketball team after an 0-2 start in early December.

Peyton Howard knew better.

The senior point guard who registered substantial minutes on the Bears’ state and national championship squad as a sophomore, understood that competitive losses to Gonzaga Prep and Beaverton, an elite Oregon 6A program. were not necessarily barometers for a disappointing season.

“We started with a lot of doubt around us,” Howard said. “But after that second game, the next day at practice, it was like, ‘We can do this.’”

The Bears reeled off seven straight wins before stumbling against Mt. Spokane on Jan. 7. CV would not lose another game the rest of the season.

Central Valley was led by first-year head coach Felice Orrell, a 2002 CV grad who was part of two state titles as a player before joining the roster

at Eastern Washington University.

Orrell took over just a few days before the first practice after Ryan Bragdon’s contract was not renewed.

“I remember that first game, we were just getting our bearings,” Orrell said. “It was about ‘Who are we?’

‘What are we going to be?’”

After capturing two state 4A titles in 2017 and 2018, the Bears placed sixth last year. The latest campaign started with minimal hype surrounding the squad Orrell inherited.

“I don’t think anyone mentioned us at all,” Orrell said. “In the hallways at school, kids were asking if we’d be any good this year, if they should come to the games.”

CV’s chances seemed even slimmer after senior guard Anika Chalich, one of the team’s best shooters, was lost for the year with a severe knee injury in January.

“That left a big gap,” said Howard.

“After that, I felt we would still get to state but I wasn’t sure how well we’d do. But as the season went on, we definitely got more confident.”

Howard said the positive momentum was due to Orrell, who would tell her team, “Don’t let anyone put you in a place where you don’t belong.”

“I wanted them to overcome the odds, to believe in themselves and know they could be better,” Orrell said. “My coaching style is 99 percent, ‘Let’s learn from it and move on and not make a big deal of it.’ I want them to be great without pressure.”

After winning the GSL regular season crown, the Bears found themselves in the district title game on Feb. 21 against Mead, a team they beat by 18 points 20 days earlier. This time, the Panthers proved more of a test, pushing CV to overtime before the See CHAMPS, Page 21

20

• APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 • 21

The Current GREATER SPOKANE VALLEY

A VALLEY-WIDE COMMUNITY NEWSMAGAZINE

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Ben Wick

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Danica Wick

CO OWNER

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Larry Passmore

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CIRCULATION

CONTRIBUTORS

Nina Culver, Bill Gothmann, Craig Howard,

The Valley Current P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752; Fax: 927-2190 www.valleycurrent.com The Current is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Spokane Valley area. Copies are located at drop-off locations in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake and the surrounding area.

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CHAMPS

Continued from page 19 Bears prevailed 55-53. Howard paced the winners with 18 points, followed by juniors Grace Geldien with 13 and MJ Bruno with 12. Geldien and Bruno also collected 10 rebounds each.

At one of the practices before the team played Glacier Peak in a regional matchup on Feb. 28, Orrell decided to don her old CV letter jacket, complete with two patches marking 4A preeminence in 2001 and 2002.

The kids were like, ‘Let’s go win a state championship,’” Orrell said.

Glacier Peak stayed with the Bears early on, trailing only 32-28 at halftime. The third quarter was a different story, as CV outscored the Grizzlies, 19-5 en route to a 67-49 win and a ticket to the state quarterfinals.

Bruno, who would later be named to the Seattle Times All State First Team, had 17 points followed by Chloe Williams with 16.

After the win, Orrell had a simple message for her team.

“I just told them we were 96 minutes from a state title,” she said.

“I was 100-percent sure we could win state.”

Balanced scoring defined the Bears’ 72-55 win against Issaquah on March 5 in the opener at the Tacoma Dome. Michael Pitts, Bruno, Howard and Geldien all registered double figures while Abby Lewis pitched in eight points. Howard also dished out eight assists.

Union of Vancouver was next for CV in the 4A version of the Final Four.

The Titans had no answer for Howard who finished with 18 points and Pitts who collected 12 rebounds. The 6153 win propelled the Bears into the title game against top-ranked, 28-0 Woodinville, a school CV defeated in 2018 for the 4A crown.

“I told the team going into the Woodinville game that we had nothing to lose, there was no pressure,” Orrell said. “We just had to seize the moment.”

This time Williams led the way with 20 points and six rebounds. Howard tallied 18 and Bruno contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds. Woodinville had a three-point try with 15 seconds left that would have tied it but Geldien sealed the 59-55 win and the title with a key offensive rebound and free throw.

For the sixth time in school history, the Bears were Washington’s best.

“We had awesome chemistry all season,” Howard said. “We didn’t have one, super amazing player but we were balanced. If the other team shut one of us down, someone else would step up.”

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ON THAT NOTE

The Current

A message from all of us to every one of you

By Danica Wick

Current Co-Owner

What a whirlwind these last weeks have been. As fellow community members and small business owners, I think we can all agree that the uncertainty of how this will all play out is real for each of us. Who would have guessed that the schools would be closed, or even stranger that the businesses would be as well. As a business owner, there have been times we wondered if we were going to be able to remain open to complete the publication and have the printer be open so it could get printed. If your reading this, then I suppose we made it. Like you, we have been experiencing an onslaught of overwhelming and, at times, confusing information, a roller coaster of emotions, to which we have been rolling with the changes thrown at us as we all navigate this COVID 19 crisis together.

While some seem to think that this isn’t real or that it won’t affect them, we hope that we have given you enough information throughout this edition to understand what is happening and how you can be safe and how

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we can all help our community. In a time where connection is restricted to technology, immediate family, and / or from six feet apart as we pass each other while out for a walk.

We are all missing our friends, our sense of normalcy, but mostly our sense of security that had been established with our daily routines.

As we are striding bravely into this new world of social distancing, and staying home to stay healthy unless necessary we are mourning what feels like the loss of our ‘old’ life.

Although most of us have not really had a moment to stop and reflect with the constantly changing atmosphere that is controlling our lives we are, in fact, grieving for our losses and our uncertain future.

So, we would like to implore you into joining us in using this time, if you have it, to hold our families tightly and show them all the love we possess.

Try to spend moments without the worries of the outside world and make memories that each of us, along with our children and loved ones, can cherish forever.

Along with our daily school

schedule, we plan to spend our days taking some time to turn the living room into a movie theatre on occasion, get messy with arts and crafts, spend days outside playing, gardening, and learning things about the world from within the safety and comfort of our family’s arms.

We continue to have faith that we as a community can and will continue to use our greatest asset, our hearts.

Although our hearts are strained with uncertainty, it is our hearts that will hold us together. It is our hearts that will continue to make us strong. And it is our hearts that will forge together to restore our gracious and beautiful community to a splendor that today may feel like a distant memory.

As more businesses close, our neighbors lose their jobs or wages, and parents or grandparents get forced into their homes, there are going to be those amongst us that are going to need assistance more now than ever. If you are healthy and able we encourage you to reach out to our local non-profit organizations, such as Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels to see how you can safely

APRIL 2020 • 23

help deliver food to seniors who shouldn’t be leaving their homes; or Spokane Valley Partners who may need any food we can spare to help feed those families who are struggling to put food on the table. We encourage you to help our neighbors in their time of need. Or if you find yourself needing help reach out, Spokane Valley Partners or other are out there and can help, we are here for you as well. Although this current situation is scary, it hasn’t diminished the size of our hearts, and we must continue to look for how we can all make it through this together. Together we are stronger than anything that can come our way.

We hope that you found this edition informative and uplifting. We will continue to strive to bring you stories of our children, our neighbors, and our lives. As these are the stories that make our community the amazing place that it is. If you have an idea for something that you would like us to include in an upcoming edition, let us know! Email us at editor@libertylakesplash.com or call 242-7752 we are always looking for stories or ideas we can share with the community. Or if you are online and want to share encouraging stories share them with #InlandStrong

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(509) 994-1599 • www.tate-lawoffices.com 23403 E Mission Ave Suite, 200B, Liberty Lake, WA 99019

No attorney-client relationship is created by this ad, or your use of this ad. Neither your receipt of information from this ad, nor your use of this ad to contact Tate Law Offices, PLLC (hereinafter “the Firm”) or one of its lawyers creates an attorney-client relationship between you and the Firm. You will become a client of the Firm only if you sign an engagement agreement setting forth the scope of the Firm’s engagement, the fee arrangement, and other relevant matters. As a matter of policy, the Firm does not accept a new client without first investigating for possible conflicts of interests and obtaining a signed engagement letter.

24

• APRIL 2020

The Current

Sparkling white.

Take your smile from dull to dazzling with a great new patient offer:

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22106 E. Country Vista Drive Suite D • Liberty Lake

www.LibertyLakeDental.com

Sonicare Toothbrush With Purchase of a New Patient Exam, Necessary X-rays & Recommended Cleaning. Offer expires 04/30/2020.

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Dr. Erin Merrifield • Dr. Enoch Ross • Dr. Ross Simonds • Dr. Amanda Roper

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DEADLINE 4/15